Joe McElderry tells court he felt 'unsafe' at home

X FACTOR winner Joe McElderry has told how he felt “unsafe” in his own home after being harassed.

Joe McElderry on location at South Shields at a photoshoot for the cover of his new album

X FACTOR winner Joe McElderry has told how he felt “unsafe” in his own home after being harassed.

Ennis McBride was convicted of harassment following a trial at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The 53-year-old, of Rostrevor Road, Stockport, was accused of turning up at the star’s South Shields home in September last year, as well as posting derogatory comments about him on Twitter.

When McBride came to his doorstep, Joe was in the bath and the door was answered by a friend who said he was not available.

Later, the defendant went to the star’s old home in Coleridge Avenue and spoke to his mum Eileen Joyce.

Then, on Christmas Eve, he appeared at an Asda store where Eileen was shopping. She rang her son and asked him to lock his doors.

McBride also posted a series of negative remarks on Twitter. One message called him “a hypocrite, evil and a liar”, while others made reference to his sexuality.

Joe gave evidence at the trial and said he was left feeling scared and intimidated by the experience. The 21-year-old added: “I understand that I’m on a public platform. I put myself there. I’m appreciative of all the support I get. Not everyone can like you, but I don’t think I should be made to feel uncomfortable and unsafe in my own home. I feel like my own home is my haven. When I get back there, I should feel safe.”

McBride, who has degrees in philosophy, psychology and criminal justice, said he was a fan of Joe when he appeared on X Factor in 2009. His visit to the star’s home was triggered by an incident involving a missing box of opera CDs.

McBride said he had dropped off the 50 CDs at a venue in Brighton, where Joe performed, and asked a staff member to pass them to the singer.

However the star, who received thousands of gifts, had no recollection of receiving it. McBride said he wanted to ask Joe about the CDs and had no intention of causing harassment.

He claimed his tweets were a separate issue and had posted the messages as “an antidote” against Joe’s PR machine. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £915 costs, as well as being handed a five-year restraining order. After the case, Joe said: “I’m glad this is all over. I would just like to draw a line under it now.”

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